[xnor]

x_x why don't you just listen. /sigh

 

[JaZZ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xnor /img/forum/go_quote.gif x_x why don't you just listen. /sigh

I believe my pair has considerably improved after 50–100 hours of play (don't know exactly how much, as it's been borrowed to a friend after the initial disappointment). So it makes sense to accelerate the process.
.

 

[chriscu1]

Really my main reason for burning in is I already have a well burned in PX100 and SR-80, so comparing a brand new pair is probably not the same comparison as opposed to after a few days. I also picked up a HD428 so I'll be posting some thoughts on those too.

 

[chriscu1]

Some initial unamped impressions using a Ipod Touch 2G:

1. It takes a little more juice from the Ipod to get the same volume on the HD238 (not a lot more, but it is noticeable, PX 100's were at about 60-65%). For me, volume is at about 75% for the HD238's.

2. The HD238 seems more balanced than the PX100, not as bassy (although it still seemed to leaned toward bass), but better highs and mids, and more detailed. It still keeps the fun factor for me that the PX100's had, it's just a slightly more neutral sound. I like it!

Amped impressions up next.....also feel free to ask questions, especially with regard to the PX100 comparison.

 

[chriscu1]

Amped impressions:

Ipod Touch 2G -> Sendstation Line Out -> Total Bithead

There is more bass there compared to straight out of the 2G but still less than the PX100 (which almost gives me too much bass when amped). Mids and highs are still there as well as detail, and a great overall sound. Whoever says 32-ohm phones don't benefit from amps has not listened to the HD238.

This won't replace my main home phone (SR-80), but it will definitely takes the #2 spot as well as the duties of my PX100 at work. It's almost like taking the PX100 and shifting it slightly to the sound of the SR-80 (although nothing can really come close to the Grado sound IMO).

Be watching for possible PX100's up for sale soon.....

 

[donunus]

I just got mine today and pre burn in is totally dissapointing. Will this distortion go away? It cant handle decent amounts of volume

 

[xnor]

How loud is "decent amounts of volume"?

I'm really looking into this model to replace my current portables, so far there have been overall positive impressions except:
- too much bass
- too much bass + high volume -> distortion

I wouldn't use them without eq anyway, but maybe some (dampening) mod could reduce bass and distortion?

 

[donunus]

I'll report if the distortion goes away but so far... portapro slaughters these

 

[JaZZ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by donunus /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'll report if the distortion goes away but so far... portapro slaughters these

Are you sure it's not the amp?
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[xnor]

Heh, I'd love to see someone trying to mod them or at least remove the plastic cover / driver:

 

[Feather225]

It reminds me of koss headphones..

Quote:

Originally Posted by xnor /img/forum/go_quote.gif Heh, I'd love to see someone trying to mod them or at least remove the plastic cover / driver:

 

[donunus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaZZ /img/forum/go_quote.gif Are you sure it's not the amp? .

Are these harder to drive than hd580s? My amp drives the hd580s fine without distortion. It also drives the portapro and px100 perfectly

 

[xnor]

Feather25, why's that? It looks exactly like the PX100 driver (I think it's the same) in a bigger case with some "felt" around it.

Uhh.. now I think that I should be looking for something completely different, heh.

 

[Fulyen Curtz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by donunus /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'll report if the distortion goes away but so far... portapro slaughters these

Id have to second this one after having both. I ended up keeping the portapros.

 

[JaZZ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by donunus /img/forum/go_quote.gif Are these harder to drive than hd580s? My amp drives the hd580s fine without distortion. It also drives the portapro and px100 perfectly

Sensitivity/efficiency is clearly lower than that of the PX 100 – both being 32 ohm (another reason why I highly doubt they use the same drivers, apart from the blatant sonic difference) – and the PortaPro. The HD 600 is 300 ohm, so the comparison is harder. In any event, my pair doesn't distort at all on the Corda Symphony, even at extremely high levels.

I can't reproduce a preference for the PortaPro – to my ears the HD 238 sounds much better, especially in the treble. Unequalized I find the bass quite boomy and annoying, though.
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